A superb defensive display by 14-man Portlaoise saw them qualify for the provincial final with victory over a very wasteful Graigue Ballycallan of Kilkenny at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday.

The attendance of 2,500 saw a close, physical game in which Graigue Ballycallan were the dominant side but lost out through dreadful shooting. The Kilkenny champions drove a massive 19 wides to the Laois side's four, which provides an indicator of the dominance exerted by the Kilkenny men.

Graigue Ballycallan led for the only time when John Hoyne pointed from play less than 20 seconds after the throw-in.

That score was to prove a total false dawn for the Kilkenny side, who proceeded to drive wides from all angles; both from play and placed balls. Portlaoise, by comparison, were very accurate from their limited chances and led 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval.

There were two flare-ups in the third quarter and after the second incident Portlaoise defender Des Killeen was sent off.

But Portlaoise, with full back Cyril Duggan and centre back Niall Rigney outstanding, kept their noses in front and held out for victory and a Leinster final place against Rathnure.

Portlaoise: J Hannify; B Murphy, C Duggan, E Murphy; D Killeen, Niall Rigney (0-3), D Mullins; D Rigney, T Bergin; J Phelan, T Fennelly (0-1), T Mulligan; J Taylor (0-1), J Gleeson, B Bohane (0-1). Subs: N Rigney for Mullins; R Scully for Bohane.

Graigue Ballycallan: J Ronan; J Butler, P Dwyer, P Hoyne; T McCluskey, T Comerford, A Hoyne; J Young, E Dwyer; M Hoyne (0-2), J Hoyne, D Cleere (0-1); A Ronan (0-2), J Young, D Byrne. Sub: T Dermody for J Hoyne.

Referee: A MacSuibhne (Dublin).